Bicycle question

[msmemory_archive]

For locals:
Anybody have a bike shop recommendation other than Belmont Wheelworks? I'm in the market for a comfort (possibly a hybrid) bicycle, and they have some nice ones in stock and are running a sale. I've had one rec already for them, plus that's where jducoeur bought his bike last summer.

Comments

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

There's also a decent bike shop in Waltham on Main Street. Damned if I can remember the name, though.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

Spoke N Wheel, across from Il Capriccio? I had them do a tuneup on my old bike years ago, but haven't been by there in ages.

[jenwrites.livejournal.com]

Yep, that's the one. I haven't been there in a while myself, though.

[oakleaf-mirror.livejournal.com]

The two bike shops I've liked in the area are another branch of Wheelworks (Ace Wheelworks, in Somerville, same company as Belmont Wheelworks), and International Bicycle Centre, in Alston (though they also have a Newton location).

My current (comfort) bike was bough at International, about 6 years ago, but only because they had the exact model I was looking for in the right size and colour, after doing a lot of looking. I would have been just as happy buying from Ace Wheelworks, if they'd had what I settled on in stock. I tried a lot of bikes in both locations (as well as at some other stores that didn't particularly impress me).

For service, I generally deal with Broadway Bicycle School, because they're so close, and their service is good, but their in stock sales selection is very limited.

[eclecticmagpie.livejournal.com]

Harris Cycles, in Newton, has a good rep. I felt that I got good personal service there, but that their selection of floor models was limited.

[fairdice.livejournal.com]

Indeed, we've used Harris Cyclery for all our bike-related needs and have been happy throughout. (The fact that they're a mile away is gravy.)

[be-well-lowell.livejournal.com]

I really like my local shop here in Acton (and have plugged them in my LJ in the past), but the Cycle Loft right there in Burlington has a good reputation, and although I haven't bought anything there in years, definitely has staff who know their stuff. Slightly expensive, but not ludicrously so.